The future of Arc'teryx LEAF

Lightfighters,We are in the process of setting the design direction for Arc'teryx LEAF. I'd like to get you feedback on what you dislike about your LEAF gear. Of course if there is a particular feature you absolutely love and don't want us to change let us know. This is you chance to shape future LEAF products.

A couple of points of guidance: 1) The price is the price: prices aren't going to go down, we're simply not willing to compromise on quality. If you got a great deal through the pro-deal, please don't share: you got the that price because of what you do, there's no need to tease the window lickers.

2)Please many details on your garment and the uses you put it to as you can, including where you bought it. We've had a rash of knock-offs come in for warranty recently, so we want to make sure your commenting on our stuff not a 'replica'.

put the napoleon pockets zippers to the side and not centered. I refer to the Alpha LT. Also make a Leaf version of the GAMMA LT! Put bigger Velcro retainer on the Gryphon Hood. It's hard to put it back in place in a rush.

First of all let me start by saying I'm an Arctery'x fiend. I own the Sidewinder SV, Gamma SV Jacket and Bibs, Gamma MX, Bravo Pant and Jacket, Alpha Jacket and Pants, Chiamera Shirt, and Cam SV glove. All have been purchased from reliable vendors or the LEAF program directly.

I'll echo what Alpinist said by seconding the FR need. I think going in a Merino wool direction would be interesting.

Also I wouldn't mind seeing equipment made by Arctery'x. It would be very cool to be the first kid on the block with a Chest Plate made by you folks.

I think Arctery'x is poised to be one of the only companies that can compete directly with the quality of companies like Crye Precision, and since they are diversifying into the garment world more heavily, I think it would benefit you to do the same into the gear industry.

As a voracious consumer of your products, I would be happy to demo or test anything you have to offer.

Some larger sizes would help--as it is, there is nothing Arctery'x makes that fits me. I'm ~6'3", 255-ish lbs., wear a 52L suit coat, and even the XXL shells I've tried don't fit (both too snug around the chest and way too short in the sleeves). While I could stand to lose a few pounds (am running my nads off to do just that), I'm in reasonably good shape but the lack of any garment from Arctery'x that would fit me forced my hand towards buying a softshell from a different maker that fit properly.

When I first discovered Arc'teryx it was via your packs (specifically the Wire). I've had half a dozen of your packs for various needs over the years, but I feel like there has been little/no innovation in your packs.

I've had a need for lighter and faster packs - 25L would be ideal with external and internal pockets. I was using an LBT 2595G and it was a great pack until the nylon webbing failed on the straps and my $400 pack fell apart.

I have since reverted to the Axios 25 and the Hornet 18. The Axios has the best straps and back, bar none, of any pack I've ever used but the generic interior and placement of the internal pocket is constantly in the way. The Hornet is much lighter and great for a few hours, but the shape is not ideal when loaded(basically creates a hump), and the drink pockets on both are a total waste of time.

I got to check out the Mystery Ranch Spartan at Shot this year and it was ideal. However, for whatever reason, when I have called them about producing it, I've been told the pack probably will never be actual made.

I feel like Arc'teryx should own tactical packs. You own packs in the civ sector.

So yes, I would like urban use 24 hour sustainment packs that can rock a camelback and have 25-27 L of storage. Thanks

Incorporating X-static fabric on the Bravo jacket to keep odors from being too offensive.

I don't have any gaping holes on my Alpha jacket/pants from the occasional concrete tunnel crawl but I would like to see additional reinforcement of typical wear areas (elbows, back of forearms , cuffs, and knees.)

Originally posted by jvencius:Some larger sizes would help--as it is, there is nothing Arctery'x makes that fits me. I'm ~6'3", 255-ish lbs., wear a 52L suit coat, and even the XXL shells I've tried don't fit (both too snug around the chest and way too short in the sleeves). While I could stand to lose a few pounds (am running my nads off to do just that), I'm in reasonably good shape but the lack of any garment from Arctery'x that would fit me forced my hand towards buying a softshell from a different maker that fit properly.

Concur. I have the same issue. Especially when wearing any layering garments, or any type of armor, having things designed for guys who are built bigger would definately help sales, and expand the line.

I'd also like to see more colors. Not all LEAF-types are on tactical teams or war-zones. Some of us can't wear multicam to work, and crocodile makes us stand out as well. I'm currently assigned to a central European post, and black or navy would blend in a lot more than other colors.

I'd also like to see more colors. Not all LEAF-types are on tactical teams or war-zones. Some of us can't wear multicam to work, and crocodile makes us stand out as well. I'm currently assigned to a central European post, and black or navy would blend in a lot more than other colors.

LEAF is currently combat-specific. If you want that, every LEAF product has a civilian Arcteryx counterpart except for the hybrid stuff (chimera, sphinx, etc.)

So i like the Leaf stuff like it is, the idea on the alpha jacket with the opening on the side is a good idea.

About the colours, I love the crocodile a lot and would like to have the talos also in that colour. I don´t need any other colour like black and crocodile.

About the sizes i can´t say much i fit in large and x-large.

It might be awesome if there would be some more dealers over here in europe, especially germany where u can buy the leaf series. I already asked the biggest company in germany for military and law enforcement which is recon company if the could get the leaf gear but they declined my request. I´m pretty sorry about that cause they have a lot of awesome gear and i buy most of my stuff from them, cause i prefer to get it all out of one hand, so maybe you can set up more dealers over here.

I can't get in to specifics but of the issues being brought up will be addressed in the next 18-24 months.

If you civilian colors/features we make a few hundred options: check out www.arcteryx.com and veilance.arcteryx.com

For Merino option we have the Rho LTW (Light Weight Wool) and the Eon series. We aren't doing merino outerwear because the fabrics don't meet our durability standards for outerwear (a life span of at least 100 working days in the bush) unless you mix in a bunch of nylon.

FR is strange. Big army types world-wide say it's necessary but when I talk to the soldier systems research scientist and the force mods of SoF units they say it's a boondoggle. Why do you need FR? What level of protection do you need? Is fire really a bigger hazard than heat causalities and hypothermia?

now this wouldnt directly be say combat uniform related, but something a touch different,but military or police related.

what about a PT gear program? Here in canada each unit gets its own Regimental PT kit. normally, its standard cotton hoody, sweatpants, cotton shirt, and crappy chinese made UA style shirts and shorts.

id like to see us running around in arcteryx running jackets, softshells, shorts, t shirts, etc. i have a couple of arc coolmax shirts and a pair of running shorts, they would be awesome with our Unit Crest on it.

then i could get some decent PT kit.

just a thought.

EDIT: my girlfriend, and armored recce soldier, wants an expanded womens line. She owns lots of the civ line, but there isnt much for her in the leaf lineup.

What's this fascination with black? Don't I keep reading on here that it's a the worst possible colour for tactical use and that it stands out in any environment? Are your wearing LEAF for the CDI factor or is there a tactical reason that I'm not aware of? Are police forces that care so little for office safety that they mandate black tactical uniforms really going to step up and buy Arc'teryx? If a new colour that looked good with black gear but blended in to the urban/suburban environment better came to market would they buy it instead of black?

Originally posted by logos:...Don't I keep reading on here that it's a the worst possible colour for tactical use and that it stands out in any environment?

Maybe so, but if a department mandates their officers wear black, for reasons good/bad/indifferent, it would be nice for those guys to at least have good-quality clothing and gear in a department-approved color vs. being stuck wearing shoddy gear that meets color requirements.

I've been a wrestler and a weightlifter all my life. I'm 6ft 220lbs and most of it is in my chest, neck and arms.

When I wear pants, ...they are size large, and my top is extra large. Every brand I can think of fits using that approach, from BDU's to ASICS sweats. However an Arc'teryx "XL" top is just a large or even a medium with freakishly long arms. That doesn't work for me.

I understand the price is what it is, high quality kit no doubt. That being said, Id like to see Firefighters/ search and rescue members added to the leaf program. I know A few guys on my end in NY city that would pick some gear up but just can't afford to without the leaf pricing.ThanksStay SafeAnthony

Retired after 23 years of putting bad guys in a "structured environment", I am now a apparently a "window licker". Thanks. ELN

+1

comments like that make me happy about my recent Otte Alpine purchase.

We're all on the same team. As a "window licker," I might make more money than the average Joe, true.

And I'll take that money where it's most appreciated.

Thanks for the heads up. I had been following this thread with interest. ETA- I had contacted Arc'teryx directly about private purchase of LEAF garments... apparently I don't make the grade as I only get up in the middle of the night to help the occasional working dog in an emergency. C'est la vie.

But since I keep getting the message that I'm a window licker, I'm beginning to feel like a TAD gear customer.

Gents, don't take it personally. It's one of those things where the legions of airsofters and posers see LEAF pricing, which is reduced pricing for people doing the job the clothing is designed for. Said "window lickers", a term I think we all support for said posers, then call retailers and Arcteryx asking for pricing that is solely for those on the job. I know because I work closely with Arcteryx, I work for Grey Group, and am a professional user of LEAF gear so I see it on all sides.

Note that John did not say everyone who didn't wear the stuff on DA missions is a window licker. He said that the guys the gear is designed for get the good pricing, as it should be.

Everyone else just has to pay retail. If you're not a window licker, then the comment does not apply to you. If you need it to perform your duties in the .mil/LE you get pricing that they are not obligated to offer. If you just want it...full price.

TAD is cool, if you want Condor at Arcteryx prices. I would encourage anyone who thinks there are better options or value in outdoor gear to seek out your region's Arcteryx rep and find out what goes into that jacket versus some sweat shop knockoff of a decade old TNF jacket.

Thanks for the clarification. John's point could have been made without denigrating potential customers (e.g. me). That said, it's great that 1) Arcteryx is soliciting feedback from users and 2) Quality products are getting to our shooters at reduced prices.

Originally posted by logos:...Don't I keep reading on here that it's a the worst possible colour for tactical use and that it stands out in any environment?

Maybe so, but if a department mandates their officers wear black, for reasons good/bad/indifferent, it would be nice for those guys to at least have good-quality clothing and gear in a department-approved color vs. being stuck wearing shoddy gear that meets color requirements.

+1 Basically because that's the color I am told I have to wear for my jackets. I much prefer my Bravo jacket over the 5.11 jacket that almost everyone here wears. I don't have a problem paying for QUALITY products and would rather spend more $$ up front for a 1 time purchase that will last me.

Originally posted by Wyoming Shooter:Retired after 23 years of putting bad guys in a "structured environment", I am now a apparently a "window licker". Thanks. ELN

+1

comments like that make me happy about my recent Otte Alpine purchase.

We're all on the same team. As a "window licker," I might make more money than the average Joe, true.

And I'll take that money where it's most appreciated.

I was thinking that sounds like the unofficial HK "Because we hate you, and you suck" motto and I'm liking my OTTE Alpine more and more now after reading that.

It's just like everything else...once the flavor of the month for tacti-cool changes & the fan boys find a different company to drool over Arc'teryx will go after the window lickers and posers money......

All,The purpose of LEAF is to provide the best possible gear for the guy in harms way. We actively seek to discourage people who are not armed professional form buying LEAF product because it reduces our ability to serve the good guys. No matter how aggressively we build we end up having to tell some unit that we won't have what they need in time for their deployment. That is a awful turn of events and a situation I do everything in my power to avoid. If you are NOT police or military please DON'T buy LEAF: we make thousands of other products just for you: please leave the LEAF stuff for the guys with their life on the line.I know this is an odd way for a manufacture to act but we really are in this business for the soldiers and police, not for the revenue.

The bravo could use pit zips to increase temp range and drawcords inside the pockets so they don't stick out.

The combat jacket's bottom hem is insanely wide, which means if you don't pack a gut you have to cinch it up some. However, this bunches up the fabric to the point where you no longer have a proper seal against wind/dirt/bugs. I'd reccomend adjusting the hem size and relying on the fabric's stretchiness to create a good seal.

A LEAF version of the Hyllus would be awesome as a standalone piece or for layering under an Alpha.

The combat jacket's bottom hem is insanely wide, which means if you don't pack a gut you have to cinch it up some. However, this bunches up the fabric to the point where you no longer have a proper seal against wind/dirt/bugs. I'd reccomend adjusting the hem size and relying on the fabric's stretchiness to create a good seal.

I completely agree with this. So far I only own a Gamma AR and a Combat Jacket, the Gamma fits perfectly. It would be nice for the Combat Jacket to have less excess in the waist area.

an additional piece of velcro tape for name tag?I find the cut of the alpha perfect for accessing holster and other items off the belt. However the combat jacket is longer, and i have to either tuck into my pants, or lift the jacket up each time I holster/reholster. cut them like an inverse U-shape on the sides?

the squamish hoodie in LEAF colours would be ideal.

Keep or look for improvements where pockets are still accessible when wearing knuckled gloves. Inside main pockets perhaps have compartmentalized inner zip pockets. say to keep items like lighter, smokes, chew, gum handy and snug while not bouncing around...

For the pants, is there a way to make a sort of and elasitisized liner, that can tuck into the boot, while, the outer pant leg remains over the boot. Kind of like snowboard pants. Help to keep the sand and crap from slipping in. The liner can be sepearted with snap buttons, much like the snowboard pants, so that it is still relative easy to take pants off while wearing boots.

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